Unwanted Horses
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Unwanted Horses
Question
Where can I send my old, retired horse?
Answer
When you no longer have use for your horse, and for whatever reason you choose not to provide for him/her personally during his/her last days, there are a number of options available. If you prefer to continue to own your horse but you cannot care for it yourself, you can board your horse at a retirement farm, which is usually cheaper than that of a full service performance or show barn. If you prefer to donate your horse and receive a tax deduction, here is a list of places that you might want to consider contacting:
- Therapeutic Riding Centers
- Mounted Police Troops
- Zoos
- 4-H Clubs
- Girl Scout or Church Camps
- Universities or Veterinary Schools
Horses perform for us unquestionably until they are physically unable. When this time comes, it is our job to perform for them, by making sure that they are rewarded for their devotion and service with lifelong quality care.
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Question
My neighbor has a horse that he is not taking care of. If I buy the horse from my neighbor, will you come and get it and take care of it?
Answer
While we appreciate your efforts to help a horse in need, there is a better way. If you sincerely believe that your neighbor is not taking care of this horse, then you should contact us and make a formal complaint against your neighbor (if you live outside of Illinois please visit (if you live outside of Illinois please visit www.equinerescue.info). One of our state approved humane investigators will then check out the situation. If your neighbor is found to be in compliance with the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act, you might then decide that you still want to purchase the horse and provide a better life. While we hope that someday every horse and animal can live in an ideal situation, we must reserve our resources for those animals that may be in life threatening situations.
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Question
I have a horse that I cannot keep because I am moving. Can I donate it to you?
Answer
While we are sure that you would provide a permanent home for your horse if you could, we do realize that sometimes events are out of a person’s control. Because HAHS must reserve its resources for abused and neglected animals, we suggest the following:
- Contact retirement farms to see if they have room for your horse and if you can afford the monthly board. This way you can still own your horse.
- If your horse is capable of some light riding, a Therapeutic Riding Center might accept your horse as a donation.
- Mounted Police and Summer Camps may also accept a donated horse.
- Contact www.equinerescue.com for other resources in your state.
We strongly recommend, that you visit your horse’s potential new home before signing any agreements to ensure that your horse will be going to a safe and loving home.
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Question
We would like to open a retirement farm for horses. What is the first step?
Answer
You need to decide if you want to run your farm privately, retaining ownership and all decision making rights or if you want to become a Non-Profit 501c (3) organization with a Board of Directors making the decisions, but allowing you to accept public donations. The best recommendations we can make is that you visit www.irs.gov and familiarize yourself with the 501c (3) federal rules and regulations. Next check your local State’s website and familiarize yourself with their requirements as well.
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Question
We recently purchased land but the seller left his horses. Can you come and get them?
Answer
Yes, but two things have to happen first. You or someone else must ensure that the horses are cared for properly. This means they must have fresh water available at all times, approximately 10 pounds of good quality grass hay per day per horse, shelter and veterinary care if needed.
Then you or your attorney must contact the seller in writing and give him or her clear notice that you are going to have the horses removed if the seller does not remove them by a certain date. If you can get the seller to relinquish the horses to you, so that you can relinquish them to us that would be even better. But we cannot come and get the horses until they are clearly abandoned or the owner signs them over to you.
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